Owl Mountain sits in the far north of Teshio Ridge. When you reach this region through the main story, head to Owl Mountain to begin the Sensei quest “The Way of the Kusarigama.” This is the entry point to unlocking the kusarigama (the chain-and-sickle) and a silver trophy tied to its mastery.

Finish the three Kusarigama Sensei tales

The Kusarigama path is a short chain that unlocks the weapon and its core moves. Complete these in order:

  • The Way of the Kusarigama (starts at Owl Mountain, Teshio Ridge)
  • The Path of the Kusarigama (unlocks after the first tale)
  • The Kusarigama’s Shame (at Master Enomoto’s Dojo, northern Teshio Ridge)

Finishing all three awards the silver trophy “Way of the Kusarigama” and permanently adds the kusarigama to your arsenal.

Unlock the two Kusarigama skills required for “The Owl’s Talon”

To trigger the bronze trophy “The Owl’s Talon” (a ranged kusarigama assassination), you need two specific skills. Buy them at Altars of Reflection:

  • Melee → Kusarigama → Ferocious Whirlwind
  • Melee → Kusarigama → Lethal Talons

You’ll also need at least one Spirit segment to execute the assassination. Altars are spread across all regions; you’ll visit many naturally while exploring and clearing activities.

Perform the ranged kusarigama assassination

Find a lone enemy and enter stealth. Approach from behind; when you’re within a few meters, a contextual prompt appears for the kusarigama takedown. With at least one Spirit available, press Triangle + Circle to sling the chain and yank the target into a lethal follow-up. The trophy pops as the animation completes.

Tip: This works even if the kusarigama isn’t your actively equipped weapon. If the prompt never appears, reduce distance and ensure you’re undetected.

Troubleshooting “The Owl’s Talon” not unlocking

  • Controls: Use the default control scheme. Custom layouts can suppress the assassination prompt and block the unlock.
  • Spirit: You must have at least one Spirit segment. If the prompt is grayed out, build Spirit through normal combat first.
  • Enemy state: The target has to be unaware. Break line of sight, crouch, and try again from behind.
  • Post‑clear enemies: If you’ve liberated most camps, open‑world patrols still spawn. Oshima Coast’s Benten Port entrance remains a reliable place to find enemies.

Other quick wins in Teshio Ridge

  • “The Winter Farms” Sensei tale in the northwest grants progress toward the “Kunai Defender” bronze trophy.
  • “The Crimson Kimono” tale rewards an armor set that counts toward “For All Occasions” (silver).
  • Altars of Reflection: Teshio Ridge has plenty, letting you progress both kusarigama upgrades and the “Moments of Reflection” silver trophy (30 altars total across Ezo).

Nothing tied to these activities is missable. You can finish the Kusarigama line and the “Owl’s Talon” trophy at any time after reaching Teshio Ridge, on any difficulty.

At a glance: Owl Mountain → Owl’s Talon

Step Outcome
Go to Owl Mountain (north Teshio Ridge) Start “The Way of the Kusarigama”
Finish the three Kusarigama Sensei tales Unlock kusarigama + “Way of the Kusarigama” (silver)
Buy Ferocious Whirlwind + Lethal Talons at Altars Enable ranged kusarigama assassination
Stealth behind an enemy with ≥1 Spirit Prompt appears for Triangle + Circle
Execute the takedown Earn “The Owl’s Talon” (bronze)

If you’re threading main story with side content, it’s efficient to clear the Kusarigama line as soon as you hit Teshio Ridge. The weapon’s crowd control is useful across camps and bounties, and the ranged assassination is one of the quickest trophy unlocks in the region.